Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DOSING ENGINE AND CARTRIDGE APPARATUS FOR LIQUID
DISPENSING AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to liquid dispensers, and more particularity,
relates to
automated liquid dispensers of reagents for recreational bodies of water.
BACKGROUND ART
Manual dispensing of a specific quantity of liquid or solid chemical into a
body of
water is common in industrial and residential applications. Adding laundry
detergent
to a clothes washer or anti-streaking wetting agent to the dishwasher are only
two
everyday residential examples. Consumers of appliances such as these are
always
searching for features that save them time and increase performance.
Frequently, the
feature of greatest value to the time strapped consumer is automation of the
dispensing
activity. Automation is highly valued by consumers since, in the examples
cited
above, it eliminates the need for messy manual volumetric measuring but more
importantly, it removes the possibility that chemical dispensing was forgotten
prior to
initiating the activity.
2o The hot tub or pool is another example of an application where chemicals
are
routinely dispensed into a body of water, typically manually. In the case of a
hot tub,
water chemistry is critical for maintaining water sanitation and ultimately,
water
safety. Currently consumers are asked to regularly (at least bi-weekly)
measure the
condition of the water and then manually dispense an appropriate amount of a
water
treatment chemical or chemicals into the water. While some consumers are
willing or
able to accomplish this task religiously, it is well known that many
residential tubs are
not maintained appropriately. Mycobactef-ia: Health AdvisoYy, United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science and Technology, EPA-X22-B-
O1-
007 (August 1999). In some cases this can result in serious water quality
conditions
3o that can expose users to infectious bacteria such as mycobacteria (Id.).
The main
reasons these tubs are poorly maintained is consumer forgetfulness to address
the
water every two weeks and/or mistakes in dosing.
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Given that a hot (100°F-104°F) body of water is significantly
more susceptible to
microbiological contamination, having a system that maintains superior water
quality
via automated water chemical dispensing into hot tubs would be a very high-
value
consumer product.
Further, due to the importance of proper recreational water maintenance, many
pool
and spa treatment systems have been developed in the past. For example, U.S.
Patent
No. 4,992,156 discloses a pool purifier based on electrolytic production of
chlorine.
A bromine-generating system for portable spas is described in U.S. Patent No.
l0 6,238,555. It also uses an electrolytic cell for electrochemical bromine
production,
but employs an amperometric sensor for accurate determination of bromine
levels in
spa water. The sensor output is then used to control the power supply, and in
turn, the
electrolytic cell, in order to maintain bromine levels in spa water within
preset limits.
is Although the system is effective in producing and maintaining bromine
levels in
portable spas, its' operation is based on adding salts to spa water, which can
lead to
corrosion of metallic spa components (heaters, pumps etc.). Bromine degrades
upon
exposure to sunlight and is not odor-free. Also, some people's skin is too
sensitive to
halogens, while others find presence of salts in water objectionable.
Accordingly, there is a need for liquid dispensing systems that accomplish the
task of
dispensing the proper dose of water treatment chemicals) into a pool or hot
tub,
thereby eliminating the errors inherent in manual additions but at least
equally
important, and eliminating the possibility that dosing was not accomplished at
the
recommended interval.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a liquid dispensing system for automated
dispensing of
3o a plurality of liquid reagents into a recreational body of water. The
liquid dispensing
system includes a cartridge apparatus defining a cavity, and a cartridge front
wall. A
plurality of liquid reagent containers are included, each containing a
respective liquid
reagent and each being disposed in the cavity in a manner permitting access to
each
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respective liquid reagent through the front wall. A docking assembly is
provided
having a dock manifold device, and is releasably coupled to the cartridge
apparatus
between a first condition and a second condition. In a first condition, the
cartridge
apparatus can be removably coupled to the docking assembly, while in the
second
condition, the cartridge apparatus is lockably mounted to the docking assembly
in a
manner permitting fluid communication through the cartridge front wall from
the
respective reagent container to respective fluid passages of the manifold
device. The
dispensing system further includes a dosing engine having a valve manifold
device
that includes a plurality of intake ports and a dispensing port. The intake
ports are
fluidly coupled to the respective dock manifold fluid passages, via connection
tubes,
and the dispensing port is configured to deliver the liquid reagents to the
body of
water. The dosing engine further includes a valve assembly fluidly coupled to
the
valve manifold device to manipulate the flow distribution between the
respective
intake ports and the dispensing port. In this manner, the respective liquid
reagents can
then be selectively dispensed to the recreational body of water through the
dispensing
port.
Accordingly, a set of liquid reagents necessary to maintain recreational
bodies of
water (e.g., spas, pools, etc.) in a sanitary condition, can be automatically
dispensed in
the proper amounts and at the proper intervals. Due to the simplistic design,
the
cartridge apparatus, that contains liquid reagent containers, can be mounted
for
delivery of the reagents into the body of water, while the dosing engine can
be
remotely positioned in a safe location.
In one specific embodiment, the valve manifold of the dosing engine includes a
stator
element defining a first inlet passage fluidly coupled to one of the reagent
reservoirs.
The stator element includes a first inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports
that
terminates at a stator face lying in an interface plane. The stator element
further
includes a second inlet passage fluidly coupled to the dispensing port that
also
3o terminates at the stator face. The stator element also includes a third
inlet passage
having one portion fluidly coupled to the pump device and another portion
fluidly
coupled to a drive port. The valve assembly including a rotor element that
defines a
rotor face oriented in the interface plane in opposed relationship to and
contacting the
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stator face in a fluid-tight manner. The rotor element defines a channel that
is
rotatably movable about a rotational axis, relative to the stator face, for
rotational
movement of the rotor face between at least a discrete first aspirate and
dispense
position. In first aspirate position, the channel fluidly couples the first
inlet port and
the drive port, while in the dispense position, the channel fluidly couples
the
dispensing port and the drive port.
In another embodiment, the dosing engine includes a fluid containment
reservoir,
having a discrete volume, in fluid communication with the drive port and the
pump
to device for containment of liquid reagent therein. In the first aspirate
position, a
discrete volume of liquid reagent from the one reagent reservoir can be
aspirated, via a
pump device, through the first intake port, the drive port and into the
containment
reservoir. In the dispense position, the discrete volume of liquid reagent
contained in
the containment reservoir can be dispensed therefrom, via the pump device,
through
the drive port and out of the dispensing port.
In still another configuration, the stator element further includes a wash
passage
having one portion configured to fluidly couple to a wash reservoir, and
another
portion fluidly coupled to a wash port that terminates at the stator face. The
rotor
element is further rotatably movable to at least a discrete wash position. In
this
orientation, the channel fluidly couples the wash port and the drive port.
This enables
the pump device to aspirate wash fluid through the wash port, the drive port
and into
the containment reservoir.
The dosing engine, in one embodiment, includes a pump device that has a pump
barrel
defining a cavity. A reciprocating piston is disposed in the cavity, and
cooperates to
define a substantial portion of the fluid containment reservoir. The pump
barrel is
preferably angled during operation thereof in a manner creating an apex
portion in the
cavity. The pump barrel contains an offset pump port extending into the apex
portion
3o to facilitate purging thereof.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a liquid dispensing system
for
automated dispensing of a plurality of reagents into a recreational body of
water. The
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system includes a plurality of reagent reservoirs each containing a liquid
reagent, and
a valve manifold device having a plurality of intake ports. Each reagent
reservoir is
fluidly coupled to a respective intake port. A dispensing port, in contrast,
is in fluid
communication with the recreational body of water. A valve assembly is movable
between a plurality of discrete positions between the intake ports and the
dispensing
port for selective dispensing of the liquid reagents through the dispensing
port and to
the recreational body of water.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a liquid dispensing system
is provided
to for dispensing of a plurality of liquid reagents, each of which is
contained in a
separate respective reagent container. The dispensing system includes a
docking
assembly having a manifold device that is configured to distribute liquids
therethrough. The docking assembly further includes a mounting structure and a
plurality of dock connectors in fluid communication with the manifold device.
A
cartridge apparatus includes a body member defines a front wall, and a central
cavity
therein. The cartridge apparatus further includes a first dividing wall
separating the
central cavity into a first compartment and an adjacent second compartment.
The first
and second compartments are each sized and dimensioned for receipt and support
of a
respective reagent container therein. The cartridge apparatus further includes
a first
and second connector support that is coupled to the front wall for
communication with
the respective first and second compartment. The first and second connector
supports
are each formed and dimensioned for sliding engagement with a respective
collared
connector therebetween to enable receipt and support of the respective reagent
container in the respective first and second compartment. Further the first
and second
connector supports cooperate with the respective collared connecter to provide
a
predetermined amount of sliding longitudinal movement therebetween. The
dispensing system further includes a mounting device coupled to the cartridge
apparatus, and configured to cooperate with the docking assembly mounting
structure
for movement of the cartridge apparatus between a first condition and a second
3o condition. In the second condition, the cartridge apparatus is removably
mounted to
the docking assembly. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention,
during
movement of the cartridge apparatus from the first condition to the second
condition,
the respective collared connectors of the reagent containers, slideably
mounted to the
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respective first and second connector support, are aligned and engaged with
the
respective dock connector of the docking assembly for fluid-tight mating
therebetween.
In one specific embodiment, the mounting device and the mounting structure
cooperate for hinged movement of the cartridge apparatus relative the manifold
device. Thus, during movement between the first condition and the second
condition,
an engagement between the respective collared connectors of the associated
reagent
container and the respective dock connectors is a curvilinear motion. The
mounting
device includes a hinge pin, while the mounting structure includes a hinge
slot formed
and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the hinge pin. In a locking position,
the
mounting device is releasably locked to the mounting structure, and enables
the
hinged movement of the cartridge apparatus about a rotational axis of the
hinge pin
between the first condition and the second condition.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a transportable reagent
cartridge
apparatus is provided including a body member defining a central cavity
therein, and
having a front wall. A first dividing wall is included that separates the
central cavity
into a first compartment and an adjacent second compartment. Each compartment
is
2o sized and dimensioned for receipt and support of a respective reagent
container
therein. A first and second connector support is also included that is coupled
to the
front wall for communication with the respective first and second compartment.
Further, each connector support is formed and dimensioned for sliding
engagement
with a respective collared connector therebetween to enable receipt and
support of the
respective reagent container in the respective first and second compartment.
The
connector supports further cooperate with the respective collared connecter to
provide
a predetermined amount of sliding longitudinal movement therebetween. The
cartridge device further includes a mounting device coupled to the body
member, and
is configured to cooperate with the docking assembly mounting structure
between a
3o first condition and a second condition. During movement of the cartridge
apparatus
from the first condition to the second condition, the second condition of
which the
cartridge apparatus is removably mounting to the docking assembly, the
respective
collared connectors, slideably mounted to the respective connector supports,
are
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aligned and engaged with the respective dock connector for fluid-tight mating
therebetween.
In one specific embodiment, each connector support includes a U-shaped groove
extending downwardly from a lower edge portion of the front wall, and formed
for
sliding receipt of the respective collared connector therein. Each connector
support
includes a first tang and an opposed second tang extending into a respective
groove
thereof. The first and second tangs cooperate with the respective collar
connectors to
retain the collar connector in the respective groove.
In another configuration, the first dividing wall further cooperates with the
body
member to define pocket compartment proximate to the front wall. This pocket
compartment is formed and dimensioned for receipt of a respective reagent
container
therein. The pocket portion of the first dividing wall is Y-shaped proximate
to and
cooperating with the front wall to form a portion of the pocket compartment.
In still another specific embodiment, the cartridge apparatus includes a strap
device
mounted to the body member, and extending over the cavity opening in a manner
retaining respective reagent containers in the respective first and second
compartments
2o during transportation. To facilitate alignment and retention of the strap
device, the
body member includes at least one strap alignment groove along an exterior
wall
thereof that is formed and dimensioned for aligned receipt of the strap
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features of
advantage
which will be more readily apparent from the following description of the best
mode
of carrying out the invention and the appended claims, when taken in
conjunction with
the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIGURE 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a spa assembly incorporating a
liquid dispensing system designed in accordance with the present invention.
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FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of the liquid dispensing system of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is an enlarged top perspective view of a dosing engine of the liquid
dispensing system of FIGURES 1 and 2, with a top cover of a housing thereof
removed.
FIGURES 4A and 4B is a series of enlarged side elevation views, partially
broken
away, of the dosing engine of FIGURE 3, illustrating movement of a pump device
between an extended and retracted position.
to
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of a reagent cartridge apparatus
and
docking assembly of the liquid dispensing system of FIGURES 1 and 2, in a
closed
second condition
FIGURE 6 is an exploded, enlarged, top perspective view of the assembly of
FIGURE
5, in an opened first condition.
FIGURE 7 is an exploded, enlarged, top perspective view of a stator element
and a
rotor element of a valve assembly of the dosing engine of FIGURE 3.
FIGURES 8A-8C is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating partial operation
of the
liquid dispensing system of FIGURES 1 and 2.
FIGURE 9 is an exploded, enlarged bottom perspective view of a cartridge
apparatus
of FIGURES 5 and 6, illustrating mounting of one of a plurality of reagent
containers
therein.
FIGURE 10 is an exploded, enlarged bottom perspective view of the cartridge
apparatus, taken along the line of the circle 10-10 of FIGURE 9.
FIGURES 11A-11C is a series of enlarged side elevation views, in cross-
section, of
the cartridge apparatus and docking assembly of FIGURE 5, and illustrating
movement of the cartridge apparatus between the opened first condition and the
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closed second condition.
FIGURE 12 is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section, of a mounting
structure of the cartridge apparatus, taken along the line of the circle 12-12
of
FIGURE 11A.
FIGURE 13 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment
transportable cartridge apparatus.
FIGURES 14A-14G is a series of flow diagrams illustrating the operational
method of
the liquid dispensing system of FIGURES 1 and 2 constructed in accordance with
the
present invention.
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BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
While the present invention will be described with reference to a few specific
embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be
construed
as limiting the invention. Various modifications to the present invention can
be made
to the preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing
from the
true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It
will be
noted here that for a better understanding, like components are designated by
like
reference numerals throughout the various figures.
Referring now generally to FIGURES 1-8, a liquid dispensing system, generally
designated 30, is provided for automated dispensing of a plurality of liquid
reagents
into a recreational body of water 31. The dispensing system 30 includes a
cartridge
apparatus (FIGURES 5-6), generally designated 32, defining a cavity 33, and a
cartridge front wall 34. The system further includes a plurality of liquid
reagent
containers (e.g., 35-37) containing a respective liquid reagent. Each reagent
container
35-37 is disposed in the cavity 32 in a manner permitting access to each
respective
liquid reagent through the front wall 34. A docking assembly, generally
designated
38, includes a dock manifold device 40, and is configured to releasably couple
to the
cartridge apparatus 32 between a first condition (FIGURE 11A) and a second
2o condition (FIGURE 11C). In the second condition, the cartridge apparatus 32
is
movably mounted to the docking assembly 38 in a manner permitting fluid
communication, through the cartridge front wall 34, from the respective
reagent
container 35-37 to respective fluid passages (e.g., passage 41 of which is
only shown)
of the manifold device 40. The dispensing system 30 further includes a dosing
engine
(FIGURES 3-4B), generally designated 45, having a valve manifold device 46.
The
valve manifold device includes a plurality of intake ports (e.g., 50-52)
fluidly coupled
to the respective dock manifold fluid passages 41, and a dispensing port 53 to
deliver
the liquid reagents to the body of water. The dosing engine 45 further
includes a
valve assembly 55 fluidly coupled to the valve manifold device 46 to
manipulate the
3o flow distribution between the respective intake ports 50-52 and the
dispensing port 53
for selective dispensing of the respective liquid reagents through the
dispensing port
and to the recreational body of water.
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As best viewed in FIGURES 1 and 2, an automated liquid reagent delivery system
30
is disclosed providing a plurality of liquid reagent containers 35-37 disposed
in a
carrying cartridge apparatus 32 that can be removably mounted to the docking
assembly 38. The docking assembly 38 is fluidly coupled to the dosing engine
45, via
connection tubes 56-58, configured to automate the selection, amount and
frequency
of the liquid reagent dispensing into a recreational body of water such as a
pool or a
spa 59. Pools and spas, for example, have a set regiment liquid reagents
necessary to
maintain the water in a sanitary condition. For example, waterline, liquid
oxidizer
sanitizer and/or pH adjustment chemicals are typically required.
Moreover, the mufti-liquid dispensing system of the present invention is
particularly
suitable for dispensing multiple liquid reagents of different viscosities.
Typically,
dispensing liquids of different viscosity is problematic in that it creates a
high level of
force against the pump resulting in excess deflection with a corresponding
decrease in
pump efficiency. The dispensing system of the present invention, however, is
capable
of handling different viscosity liquids since it has been specifically
designed with the
maximum viscosities anticipated.
Referring now to FIGURES 3-4B, the dosing engine 45 will be described in
greater
2o detail. Briefly, the dosing engine 45 is essentially the motor of the
system that enables
the fluid distribution, the control systems, and the aspiration and dispensing
source.
The dosing engine 45 includes a compartmentalized housing 60 preferably
enclosing
the components to shelter the same fiom moisture and casual access. The hollow
housing is preferably provided by a molded polymer material such as plastic,
but can
be composed of other materials as well
More specifically, the components include a control circuit board 61, a pump
device
62, a valve assembly 55 and a liquid valve manifold device 46. The control
circuit
board 61 is positioned near the top of the housing 60, when in operation, in
an effort
to reduce moisture contact. Further, an isolation wall 63 is positioned
between the
control circuit board 61 and the mechanical fluid handling components (i.e.,
the valve
assembly 55 and the pump device 62) to provide the primary isolation from
potential
moisture contact, shorting and corrosion.
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At the lowermost position, a drainage device 65 is provided that enables
drainage
from the compartment should the fluid handling components leak. A power and
control cord 66 also enters into the compartment through a grommet 67 at the
bottom
of the housing 60, which connects, to sockets 68, the connections of which are
not
illustrated. Another grommet 70 on the other bottom side of the housing 60 is
provided that enables access of the connection tubes 56-58 from the dock
manifold
device 40 to the valve manifold device 46.
l0 As best viewed in FIGURE 1, a user interface 71 mounted to the spa 59, for
instance,
is coupled to the dosing engine 45 through the power and control cord 66 for
control
and operation thereof. Briefly, while the dosing engine 45 can be mounted
virtually
anywhere, it is preferred to positioned the engine in a safe location to
reduce
unauthorized access and environmental exposure. Hence, one preferred location
would be to simply mount the unit within the confines of cabinetry 72 or the
like.
As mentioned above and as shown in FIGURE 3-4B, the mechanical fluid handling
components of the dosing engine 45 includes the valve manifold device 46and
the
valve assembly 55. These components collaborate to manipulate the fluid
distribution
2o together with the pump device 62. Briefly, as will be described in greater
detail, in an
aspiration mode (FIGURE 8A), the liquid reagents can be aspirated from a
selected
reagent reservoir (i.e., the reagent container 35-37) into a containment
reservoir 73 for
storage thereof. Moreover, in a dispensing mode (FIGURE 8B), the stored
reagent in
the containment reservoir 73 is dispensed through a dispensing port 53 of the
valve
manifold device 46. To deliver the reagent, a dispensing tube 75 fluidly
communicates with the body of water 31.
Each reagent container 35-37 is fluidly coupled the dosing engine 45 through
the
discrete connection tubes 56-58, one for each reagent container 35-37. More
3o particularly, each connection tube 56-58 preferably extends from the dock
manifold
device 40 of the cartridge apparatus 32 to the valve manifold device 46 of the
dosing
engine. While these connection tubes are illustrated as continuous,
intermediate
interconnections are preferably included (not shown) to facilitate
installation. These
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connection tubes are preferably flexible to facilitate installation, and are
material
selected to be compatible with the liquid reagents dispensed so as not to
adversely
react with any of them. Typical of such tube materials include TEFLON and
polyethylene, PEEK and polypropylene..
In accordance with the present invention, the delivery of liquid reagents
should be
relatively precise, both in volume and frequency. This assures a proper
sanitation
level. To facilitate such relatively precise volumetric delivery, a rotary-
style switching
valve and syringe-style pump are employed to accurately manipulate and
dispense the
liquid reagent.
The pump device 62, as illustrated in FIGURES 4A and 4B, includes a pump
barrel 76
defining an interior cavity 77 and a pump piston 78 therein. Both the interior
cavity
77 and the peripheral surface of the pump piston 78 are preferably cylindrical-
shaped,
and reciprocate between a fully extended position (in FIGURE 4A, the pump
piston
78 is shown nearly fully extended) and a fully retracted position (FIGURE 4B).
The
circular end surface 80 of the pump piston 78 and the interior cavity 77
cooperate to
define a variable volumetric fluid containment reservoir 73. This storage
space
contains the aspirated liquid reagent therein, in a precise volume that will
be
2o dispensed through the dispensing port 53 and into the body of water, as
will be
discussed.
To aspirate the liquid reagent (or any liquid) into the containment reservoir
73 of the
pump barrel 76, the pump piston 78 is retracted from the extended position
(FIGURE
4A) toward a retracted position (FIGURE 4B). A vacuum is generated that draws
the
liquid reagents through a pump port 81 in the pump barrel 76 via pump tube 82.
By accurately controlling the displacement of the pump piston 78, the volume
of the
liquid aspirated or dispensed from the containment reservoir 73 can be
accurately
3o controlled. To Such precise linear control is performed by a linear stepper
motor 83
that is coupled to a rod 85 of the pump piston 78. This stepper motor 83 is
preferably
designed to "home" into position without a position sensor (no feedback) using
a
mechanical stop on a motor shaft thereof.
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One example of these type pumps is that provided by Rheodyne Model No.
MLPP777-111, which offer precise liquid delivery in the range of about 0.010
cc to
about 1.0 cc. It will be appreciated, of course, that since a syringe-style
pump is be
applied, the diameter of the piston and the length of the stroke may be
selected to
dictate volume of liquids contained and delivered.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the pump barrel 76 is
angled
upwardly in the housing to facilitate purging of any trapped bubbles contained
within
the containment reservoir during operation. As best viewed in FIGURE 4A, by
angling the pump barrel 76 (preferably about 45°), an apex portion 86
in the cavity 77
is created where any bubbles will flow to facilitate purging, and thus
maintain the
dispensing efficiency of the pump device. Access to the apex portion 86 is
provided
through the pump port 81, which is offset from a central longitudinal axis of
the pump
is barrel 76. Accordingly, any trapped bubbles are easily discharged from the
barrel
interior cavity 77 through the offset pump port.
As above indicated, the valve manifold device 46and the valve assembly 55 are
preferably provided by a rotary-style valve. In this specific embodiment, the
manifold
2o device 46 includes a stator element 87 having a substantially planar stator
face 88
(FIGURE 7). Extending through the stator element 87 is a plurality of intake
passages
90-92 that terminate at respective intake ports 50-52 at the stator face 88.
Each
reagent intake port 50-52 and associated intake passage 90-92 are coupled to a
corresponding that reagent container 35-37, via the connection tube 56-58 and
dock
25 manifold device. This will be described in greater detail below in
reference to
FIGURE 8A.
The stator element 87 further includes a dispensing port 53 at the stator face
88 along
with a corresponding dispensing passage 93 that extends through the stator
element.
30 As mentioned, the dispensing passage 93 is preferably connected to
dispensing tube
75, which delivers the liquid reagent into the body of water 31. It will be
appreciated
that more or less intake ports can be provided along the stator face. For
instance,
more than three liquid reagent intake ports 50-52 may be provided should it be
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necessary to dispense a fourth (or more) liquid reagent. By way of another
example, a
port 89 may be provided to dispense other materials such as ozone distribution
94, as
shown in FIGURES 2 and 7.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the stator
element 87
also defines a wash port 95 positioned at the stator face 88 and a
corresponding wash
passage 96 that extends through the stator element. The wash passage 96 is
fluidly
coupled to a wash reservoir 97 of wash fluid, the use of which will be
discussed below
in reference to FIGURE 8C. To fluidly couple the wash passage 96 to the wash
reservoir 97, flexible tube 98 is employed.
FIGURE 7 best illustrates that each of the reagent intake port 50-52, the
dispensing
port 53 and the wash port 95 are contained within in imaginary circle 100
placed
about a rotational axis 101 of a rotor-stator interface plane 102. Moreover,
these ports
are equally spaced apart from one another. At the center of the rotation axis
101 is a
fluid drive port 103 having a central passage 105 extending through the stator
element
87. The central passage 105 and the drive port 103 are fluidly coupled to the
pump
barrel 76 via the pump tube 82. As will be described below, this fluid
connection
permits fluid aspiration to and dispensing from the containment reservoir of
the pump
2o barrel.
The valve assembly 55 further includes a rotor element 106 that defines a
substantially
planar rotor face 107 oriented in an interface Plane 102 that also contains
the stator
face 88 of the stator element. These two surfaces are in opposed relation to
one
another, and form a fluid-tight seal when in operation. Inset within the rotor
face 107 y
of the rotor element 106 is a channel 108 that extends radially from the
rotational axis
101 to the imaginary circle 100. This channel 108 provides a communication
bridge
from the drive port 103 to one of the intake ports 50-52, the dispensing port
53 or the
wash port 95, depending upon its discrete rotational orientation.
The rotor face 107 of the rotor element is preferably composed of
thermoplastic
material such as UHMWPE In contrast, the stator face 88 of the stator element
is
preferably composed of a more rigid material such as Kel-F (PCTFE) Applying a
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sufficient compression force between the rotor element 106 and the stator
element 87,
a fluid-tight seal is formed at the interface plane 102. Hence, using a
stepped motor
109 (FIGURE 3), the rotor element 106 is rotated discretely about the
rotational axis
101. The rotor channel 108 fluidly bridges the pump device 62 to one of the
reagent
containers 35-37, the body of water 31 or the wash reservoir 97.
Typical of such rotary-style switching valve assemblies is the TITANEX°
valve,
Model No. MLP777-206 by Rheodyne, LLC of Rohnert Park, CA. It will be
appreciated that other rotor-style valves may be employed. Moreover, to
perform the
1 o same fluid distribution functionality, other dock manifold/valve
configurations can be
employed such as two-way or three-way switching valves.
Referring now to FIGURES 8A-8C, partial operation of the liquid dispensing
system
will be described in greater detail. To aspirate one of the liquid reagents
(in this
example, reagent container 35) into the containment reservoir 73 of the pump
barrel
76, the rotor channel 108 is radially oriented to fluidly bridge the pump
device 62 to
the corresponding intake port 50.
As the pump piston 78 is retracted from the extended position (FIGURE 4A) to
the
2o retracted position (FIGURES 4B and 8A), the volumetric capacity of the
containment
reservoir 73 is increased, creating suction to draw the liquid reagent.
Depending upon
the desired volume of liquid reagent to be dispensed, the pump piston 78 can
be
accurately actuated.
Turning now to FIGURE 8B, the rotor element 106 is discretely rotated about
the
rotational axis 101 to fluidly bridge the pump device 62 to the dispensing
port 53.
The pump piston 78, thus, can be actuated for movement from the retracted
position
(FIGURE 8A) toward the extended position (e.g., FIGURE 8B). In this
orientation,
the contained liquid reagent can be dispensed from the containment reservoir,
through
the drive port 103 and dispensing port 53 (via channel 108), and on to the
recreational
body of water 31 (via dispensing tube 75).
Although dedicated intake ports 50-52 are utilized for each liquid reagent
during
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aspiration, once past the intake ports, the path to the pump device and out
through the
dispensing port is common. Cross-contamination of the pump components,
accordingly, can be problematic. To address this issue, the stator element 87
includes
a wash port 95 fluidly coupled to a wash reservoir that can be bridged, via
the rotor
channel 108, to the containment reservoir 73.
At a discrete wash position, as shown in FIGURE 8C, the rotor element 106 is
positioned to bridge the wash reservoir 97 to the pump device 62. More
particularly,
the ends of the rotor channel 108 are rotated into fluid communication between
drive
to port 103 and the wash port 95. As described above, the pump piston 78 is
operated to
draw the wash fluid into the containment reservoir 73 for washing thereof. As
also
described above in reference to FIGURE 8B, the wash fluid can be discarded
from the
containment reservoir 73 through the dispensing port 53. Repeating this wash
sequence, the containment reservoir 73 can be adequately cleaned.
I5
Turning to FIGURES 5, 6, and 9-11C, the cartridge apparatus 32 and docking
assembly 38 are now described in greater detail. As best shown in FIGURE 6,
the
docking assembly 38 includes a base member 110 upon which the cartridge
apparatus
32 lmounts and releasably locks. The base member 110 is preferably plate-like,
and is
20 configured to mount the entire assembly proximate to the spa or body of
water for use
and operation thereof. Such mounting may be performed through conventional
screws
(not shown) and screw receptacles 111, or through an adhesive backing.
Briefly, at one end of the base member 110, a cartridge latch assembly 112
cooperates
25 with the cartridge apparatus to releasably lock the same to the docking
assembly 38.
This cartridge latch assembly 112 will be described in greater detail below.
On an
opposite end of the base member 110 is an upstanding support structure 113
upon
which the dock manifold device 40 is removably mounted. The layout of the
support
structure 113 is a custom keyed geometry that enables slideable mounting of
the dock
3o manifold device 40 thereto for proper location and orientation without the
use of
fasteners. This is primarily provided by an array of upstanding alignment
posts 115
that are formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt in a corresponding array
of post
receiving slots 116 at a bottom of the dock manifold device 40 (FIGURE 11). As
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shown, each alignment post 115 is slightly tapered inwardly such that as the
dock
manifold device 40 is press-fit downwardly onto the support structure 113, the
alignment posts are increasingly friction fit against the interior walls 117
that define
the respective post receiving slots 116.
A manifold latch assembly 118 is provided between the dock manifold device 40
and
the support structure 113. FIGURES 11B and 11C best illustrate that the latch
assembly 118 includes a resilient latch lever 120 upstanding from the support
structure 113. As the dock manifold device 40 is pushed down upon the
alignment
to posts 115, a retention tang 121 of the resilient latch lever 120 contacts a
camped
shouleler 122 of the dock manifold device 40. Upon further movement, the
retention
tang 121 extends past a ledge portion of the camped shoulder 122 to secure the
manifold device in place. Hence, through manual operation of the resilient
latch lever
120, the dock manifold device 40 can be selectively unlocked from the base
member
110 which is beneficial to replace parts andlor to add or subtract connector
components and tubes as required or needed.
In accordance with the present invention, the function of the dock manifold
device 40
is to fluidly couple the reagent containers 35-37 to the valve manifold device
46 of the
dosing engine 45, via connection tubes 56-58. To provide such fluid
communication,
the dock manifold device 40 includes a plurality of dock manifold fluid
passages 41
exteneling through the manifold. While only passage 41 is shown, each passage
is
generally identical corresponds to a respective connection tube 56-58 and a
respective
reagent container 35-37. An upper end of each fluid passage includes a
corresponding
manifold connector port 123 configured to receive a fluid connector (not
shown) of a
respective connection tube 56-58. Preferably, the connector ports 123 are
threaded for
receipt of a threaded 1/a-28 style fluid connector. It will be appreciated,
however, that
virtually any type of fluid connector can be employed for fluid coupling of
the
connection tubes 56-58 to the manifold. Moreover, it will be understood that
while
five connector ports 123 are illustrated (only three of which are shown in
use), the
manifold can be configured to accommodate any number of fluid passages.
At an opposite end, the manifold fluid passages are configured to fluidly
couple
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respective to the dock connectors 125 mounted to the dock manifold device 40.
Briefly, as will be described in greater detail below, these dock connectors
125
releasably mate with corresponding collared connectors 126 mounted to the
cartridge
apparatus 32, when the cartridge apparatus is mounted to the docking assembly
38. In
the preferred arrangement, these dock connectors are male-type connectors
having
associated pin portions 127 that extend outward from the dock manifold device
40 in
a direction substantially parallel to the plate-like base member 110 (FIGURES
6 and
11).
In this manner, dock connectors 125 are preferably 90° angled
connectors that include
a corresponding connector base portion 128 adapted to be press-fit into
connector
receiving slots 130 (only one of which is shown in FIGURES 11B and 11C).
Upstanding from each connector base portion 128 is a corresponding nozzle
portion
132 with an O-ring seal 133. When the dock connectors 125 are press-fit
mounted to
the dock manifold device 40, the corresponding O-rings 133 engage respective
interior
receiving walls 135 (again, only one of which is shown in FIGURES 11B and
11C)of
the receiving slots 130. This forms a fluid-tight seal with the corresponding
nozzle
portions 132 and with the respective fluid passage 41.
2o To further promote vertical load bearing support to the pin portions 127 of
the dock
connectors 125 when the cartridge apparatus 32 is mounted to the docking
assembly
38, the support structure includes a plurality of neck supports 136 each
upstanding
from the base member 110, and corresponding to a dock connector 125. As shown
in
FIGURES 6 and 11, when the dock manifold device 40 is press-fit mounted to the
support structure 113, the necks of the pin portions 127 are seated against
the neck
supports 136 to promote the aforementioned vertical support. The necessity for
such a
vertical load bearing support will be apparent when describing the engagement
of the
dock connectors 125 with the corresponding collared connectors 126 of the
cartridge
apparatus 32.
The dock manifold device 40 further includes two spaced-apart towers 137, 138
upon
which the cartridge apparatus is movably mounted. More specifically, these
upstanding towers 137, 138 include the respective mounting structure 140 which
are
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contained and supported by respective cantilevered mounting posts 142, 143
extending outwardly over the base member 110. As will be described in more
detail
below, these cantilevered mounting posts 142, 143 function to movably mount
the
cartridge apparatus 32 to the docking assembly 38 along a curvilinear path
that
effectively engages the dock connectors 125 to the corresponding collared
connectors
126.
Referring back to FIGURES 5 and 6, the carhidge apparatus 32 will now be
described. The cartridge apparatus preferably includes a body member 145 that
1o defines a central cavity 33 therein. At one end of the body member 145 is a
generally
planar front wall 34, while at an opposite end is a rear wall 146 that
supports a handle
member 147. A pair of opposed sidewalls 148, 150 extend between the rear wall
146
and front wall 34 for support thereof. The body member further includes a
first and
second dividing wall 151, 152 separating the central cavity 33 into a first
compartment 155, an adjacent second compartment 156 and an adjacent third
compartment 157. Each compartment 155-157 is sized and dimensioned for receipt
and support of a respective reagent container 35-37 therein.
In one configuration, the body member 145 of the cartridge apparatus 32 is
generally a
2o rectangular shell-shaped structure having a bottom opening 158 into the
cavity 33.
The body member 145, as well as the docking assembly components are both
preferably composed of a light-weight, relatively high-strength material
having good
load bearing, yet resilient properties. Due to the complex form and shapes of
the
assemblies, however, a moldable material is more cost effective and is very
much
preferred. Typical of such materials include thermoplastic, ABS, etc.
Each dividing wall 151, 152 is preferably planar, and is oriented upright when
the
cartridge apparatus 32 is lying in the orientation of FIGURE 9. Moreover, the
dividing walls are preferably integrally formed with the interior walls
defining the
cavity 33, and extend fully from the rear wall 146 of the body member 145 to
the front
wall 34 thereof. Further, the dividing walls extend all the way to a top wall
160 of the
body member 145, effectively separating the adjacent first, second and third
compartments 155-157 from one another. This is beneficial in that it adds
structural
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rigidity and isolates one compartment from another.
As best viewed in FIGURE 6, the dividing walls 151, 152 also extend in a
direction
substantially perpendicular to the front wall 34 and the rear wall. Together
with the
webbed support walls 161, this configuration provides ample load bearing
support to
the front wall 34 that is necessary when cartridge apparatus 32 is mounted to
the
docking assembly 38. As will be described, during engagement of the dock
connectors 125 and the corresponding collared connectors 126, over fifty (50)
lbs of
force may be sustained against the front wall. Hence, the front wall 34 must
be
to sufficiently reinforced to resist material fatigue and potential material
fracture or
significant deflection during the make or break of the connectors.
It will be appreciated that while two primary dividing walls 151, 152 are
described
and shown, more dividing walls could be added that define more than three
primary
compartments. In fact, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 9, each dividing wall 151,
152 is
Y-shaped at a pocket portion 162, 163 thereof. Each pocket portion 162, 163 is
oriented at one end of the respective dividing wall 151, 152, and that
intersects the
front wall 34 to form a respective pocket compartment 165, 166. As shown, a
first
pocket compartment 165 is formed and positioned between the first compartment
155
2o and the second compartment 156, while a second pocket compartment 166 is
formed
and positioned between the second compartment 156 and the third compartment
157.
Each pocket compartment 165, 166 is significantly smaller in volume than the
primary
compartments 155-157. However, in a similar manner, these pocket compartments
are formed and dimensioned for receipt of a respective reagent container (not
shown)
therein for liquid dispensing.
As best illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10, each primary compartment 155-157 and
each pocket compartment 165, 166 includes a corresponding primary connector
support 167 and pocket connector support 168, respectively, coupled to the
front wall
34 for communication with the respective pocket compartment 165, 166 and the
primary compartment 155-157, respectively. Briefly, it will be appreciated
that while
the primary connector support 167 and the pocket connector supports 168 are
illustrated, only the primary connector supports and the associated reagent
containers
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35-37, etc. will be detailed for the ease of description and clarification.
Accordingly, each connector support 167 is formed and dimensioned for sliding
engagement with a respective collared connector 126 of the respective reagent
container therebetween. FIGURES 10, 11B and 11C illustrate that each connector
support 167 cooperates with the respective collared connector 126 to provide a
predetermined tolerance or longitudinal sliding displacement therebetween to
aid
engagement with the respective dock connector 125.
to The collared connectors 126, only one of which will be described in detail,
each
include an outer collar portion 170 and an adjacent inner collar portion 171
surrounding a respective receiving receptacle 172 of the connector. These
substantially parallel, oval-shaped collars are preferably composed of semi-
flexible
thermoplastic material, and are removably press-fit into mounting engagement
with a
respective connector support 167 (FIGURE 10).
Briefly, these conventional female collared connectors 126 and the mating male
dock
connectors 125 are typically referred to as multiple make and break style
fluid
connectors, and are often applied to food product packaging.. The receiving
2o receptacle 172 of the collared connector 126 is formed and dimensioned for
sliding
receipt of the corresponding pin portion 127 of the dock connector 125.
To promote fluid sealing, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 11A, the pin portions
include
O-rings 173. During insertion of the tapered pin portion 127 into the
corresponding
receptacle 172, the corresponding O-ring 173 engages the interior walls
defining the
receiving receptacles to form a fluid tight seal therebetween. Typical of
these male
dock connectors 125 are those provided by IPNUSA of Peachtree City, GA Model
No.
SPS-4 Similarly, the mating female collared connectors 126 are also those
provided
by IPNUSA Model No. SPS-4F It will be appreciated, however, that other IPNUSA
style multiple make and bread fluid connectors can be utilized.
Referring back to FIGURES 9 and 10, each connector support 167 includes a U-
shaped load bearing support 175 that cooperates with the front wall 34 to
define a U-
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shaped groove 176 therebetween. The U-shaped grooves 176 extend downwardly
from a lower edge portion 177 of the front wall 34, and are formed for sliding
receipt
of the respective outer collar portion 170 of a respective collared connector
126
therein, in the direction of arrow 178. Similarly, the respective inner collar
portion
171 is retained against the interior side of the front wall for additional
support.
To retain the collared connector 126 in the groove 176, the connector support
167
includes a pair of opposed retention tangs 180 (only one of which can be seen)
extending into a respective groove 176 thereof. As the reagent container 35 is
positioned in the respective primary compartment 155, and the outer collar
portion
170 is inserted into the respective groove 176, the peripheral sides of the
collar will
friction contact the retention tangs 180. Manually applying a sufficient
force, in the
direction of arrow 178, the friction force between the opposed retention tangs
180 and
the outer collar portion 170 can be overcome to force the collared connector
126 past
the retention tangs 180 and into a socket of the U-shaped groove 176.
Conversely, to
remove the retained collared connectors, a force applied in a direction
opposite that of
arrow 178 must similarly overcome the opposed frictional forces for removal
from the
connector support.
The collared connectors 126 are each mounted, in a fluid-tight manner, to one
end of
the corresponding reagent container 35-37. Each container 35-37 is formed and
dimensioned for placement into a respective primary compartment 155-157
(FIGURE
9). Hence, in some specific embodiments, the containers may be provided by a
collapsible, flexible-type plastic bag that are capable of semi-conforming to
the shape
of the respective compartment in which it is contained. For example, the
application
of thin plastic bags are typically more cost effective, and need not be vented
as the
plastic bag will collapse as the liquid reagent is drawn from the bag.
In another specific embodiment, the reagent containers 35-37 may more rigid
and
custom pre-shaped for positioning in the respective primary compartments 155-
157
(as shown in FIGURES 9 and 13, for instance). Such custom preformed containers
may facilitate volume maximization of the containers in the respective
compartment.
The may also be more protective, if desired, since the rigidity and wall
thickness can
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beincreased.
To moveably mount the cartridge apparatus 32 to the docking assembly 38, the
cartridge apparatus includes a mounting device 181 that cooperates with the
dock
mounting structure 140. FIGURES 5, 9 and 11 illustrate that the cartridge
mounting
device 181 is integrally formed with the body member 145. More specifically,
the
cartridge mounting device 181 is configured to cooperate with the mounting
posts
142, 143 of the docking assembly 38 for movement between a first condition
(FIGURE 11A) and a second condition (FIGURES 5 and 11C). Briefly, in the first
to condition, the cartridge mounting device 181 and the dock mounting
structure 140
cooperate to enable coupling of the cartridge apparatus 32 to the docking
assembly 38.
In contrast, during movement of the cartridge apparatus 32 from the first
condition to
the second condition (FIGURES 11B and 11C), the respective collared connectors
126 of the reagent containers 35-37 are aligned and engaged with the
respective dock
connectors 125 of the docking assembly 38 for fluid-tight mating therebetween.
The mounting device 181 of the cartridge apparatus is preferably positioned at
an
outer upper portion of the cartridge apparatus. More preferably, the mounting
device
181 includes a pair of spaced-apart post receptacles 182, 183 formed for
receipt of the
triangular-shaped cantilevered mounting posts 142, 143 of the docking assembly
38
therein (FIGURES 5, 9 and 11A). These receptacles 182, 183 are positioned
proximate an intersecting edge between the front wall 34 and the top wall 160
of the
body member 145
The cartridge mounting device 181 further includes a pair of opposed hinge
pins 185,
186 (FIGURE 9, 11A and 12) extending transversely across the post receptacles
182,
183. These pins 185, 186 are preferably longitudinally aligned along a common
rotational axis 187 that is oriented substantially at and parallel to the
intersecting edge.
These hinge pins 185, 186 cooperate with the tapered L-shaped slots 188, 190
(FIGURES 6, 11A and 12) formed in the opposed outer walls 196, 197 of the
cantilevered mounting posts 142, 143 to enable hinged movement about the
rotational
axis 187 between the first condition and the second condition. Each L-shaped
slot
188, 190 tapers inwardly towards a neck portion (only neck portion 191 of slot
188 of
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which is shown) which then terminates at an end socket 193 formed and
dimensioned
to receive and retain the hinge pin 185 there in for rotation about the
rotational axis
187.
To mount the cartridge apparatus 32 to the docking assembly 38, the pair of
cantilevered mounting posts 142, 143 are aligned with and place into the
corresponding post receptacles 182, 183, in a manner aligning and sliding the
cartridge hinge pins 185, 186 into the corresponding L-shaped slots 188, 190
of the
mounting posts. As best viewed in FIGURE 12, the transverse cross-sectional
1o dimension of the hinge pin 185 (as well as hinge pin 186) is eccentric-
shaped. Hence,
in the orientation of the first condition shown in FIGURES 11A and 12, the
eccentric-
shaped hinge pin 185 permits passage through the neck portion 191, 192 and
into the
end socket 193, 195 of the L-shaped slot 188. Upon movement of the cartridge
apparatus toward the second condition, the hinge pins 185, 186 are locked into
their
corresponding sockets. Conversely, to remove the eccentric hinge pins 185, 186
from
the end sockets 193, 195, the cartridge apparatus 32 must be returned to the
first
condition to push the pins past the corresponding neck portions.
In accordance with the present invention, the dock mounting structure 140 and
the
cartridge mounting device 181 cooperate such that during movement of the
cartridge
apparatus from the first condition to the second condition, the respective
collared
connectors 126 of the reagent containers 35-37 are aligned and engaged with
the
respective dock connectors 125 of the docking assembly for fluid-tight mating
therebetween. As will be apparent, such mating engagement is permitted in part
to the
predetermined tolerance or longitudinal displacement of the collared connector
126 in
the respective socket of the U-shaped groove 176.
As the cartridge apparatus 32 is moved from the first condition (FIGURE 1 lA)
toward
the second condition (i.e., from FIGURE 11B to FIGURE 11C), the pin portions
127
of the respective male dock connectors 125 are automatically aligned and
inserted
through the mating receiving receptacles 172 of the female collared connectors
126
until seated for fluid communication with the respective reagent containers 35-
37 at
the second condition. However, the movement of the cartridge apparatus 32
relative
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the docking assembly from the first condition to the second condition is
rotational
about rotational axis 187. Hence, the actual inter-engagement between the
collared
connectors 126 and the dock connectors 125 is along a curvilinear path. This
is
problematic since the selected mating connectors are generally designed for
conventional linear engagement along the respective longitudinal axes of the
pin
portions 127 and respective receiving receptacles 172 thereof.
By allowing collared connectors 126 to longitudinally displace a predetermined
tolerance in the respective sockets of the U-shaped grooves 176, in the
directions of
l0 arrow 178 in FIGURE 11B, the pin portions 127 of the dock connectors can be
sufficiently aligned with the receiving receptacles 172 of the collared
connectors 126
as the cartridge apparatus 32 is urged toward the second condition (FIGURE
11C).
Preferably, this predetermined tolerance is in the range of about 0.030 inches
to about
0.050 inches.
As mentioned, to collectively engage the fluid connectors, up to about fifty
(50) lbs.
may be required in some instances. Using the handle member 147 of the
cartridge
apparatus 32, positioned at the rear wall 146, sufficient leverage can be
generated to
facilitate manual engagement (and disengagement) of the fluid connectors force
for
most persons. Also located along the rear wall 146 is a latch lever 198 of the
cartridge
latch assembly 112, above-mentioned. As shown in FIGURES 5, 11B and 11C, the
latch assembly 112 cooperates between the cartridge body member 145 and the
dock
base member 110 to releasably lock the cartridge apparatus 32 to the docking
assembly 38.
The latch lever 198 is cantilever mounted at a central portion thereof to the
rear wall
of the body member 145. At a bottom portion of the latch lever 198 is a latch
tang
200 that engages a corresponding lip portion 201 in a latch receiving slot 202
of the
base member 110. When the cartridge apparatus 32 is moved to the second
condition
of FIGURE 11C, the resilient latch tang 200 engages the corresponding lip
portion
201 to releasably lock the cartridge apparatus in place.
At a top of the latch lever 198 is a manually lever portion 203 that operates
the lower
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latch tang 200. By manually pressing the lever portion 203 in the direction of
arrow
205 in FIGURE 5, the latch tang 200 can be moved past the lip portion 201 to
release
the latch lever from the locked position.
In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGURE 13, the
cartridge
apparatus 32 can be distributed with one or more reagent containers 35-37
already
preinstalled in the primary compartments 155-157. In this specific embodiment,
the
cartridge apparatus 32 is then ready for easy mounting to the docking assembly
38,
and connection to the liquid dispensing system through the dock manifold.
to
To secure the reagent containers 35-37 in the cartridge apparatus 32 for
transport, a
strap device 206 may be provided that extends across the opening 158 into the
interior
cavity 33. Preferably, this strap device 206 extends transverse to the first
and second
dividing walls 151, 152, and across the compartments 155-157. The strap device
may
be composed of any flexible heat shrink material. Typical of such flexible
materials
include polyethylene.
To further secure and retain the strap device 206 in place, the exterior
portions of the
body member 145 may include an alignment groove 207 or the like. These
alignment
grooves 207 are preferably positioned on opposing sidewalls 148, 150 of the
body
member 145, and are formed and dimensioned for receipt of the strap device
therein.
When the strap device is tightened about the cavity opening 158 the alignment
grooves 207 will prevent slippage about the body member 145.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the general operation of the
liquid
dispensing system 30 of the present invention is disclosed. Referring to the
self-
explanatory operation flow diagrams of FIGURES 14A-14G, FIGURE 14A illustrates
the start-up procedure. Upon power-up, the control circuit board 61
establishes
communication with the user interface 71 through the power and control cord
66.
System configuration is then retrieved from an internal non-volatile memory
device,
or in the absence of that information, the user is instructed to enter it. If
the cartridge
32 is empty, the user is instructed to replace it with a new one. The control
circuit
board 61 will next position the pump device 62 and the valve assembly 55 to
their
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start-up positions.
Figure 14B illustrates the main operational loop of the dosing engine 45.
Dosing of
liquid reagents can be a result of a user request or an automatic, timed
schedule.
Upon encountering either a user request or an indication from an internal
timer, the
dosing engine 45 will dispense the liquid reagents from the cartridge 32 into
the spa
59 using a dosing schedule stored in the internal non-volatile memory of the
control
circuit board 61. Another internal timer is used to track the frequency of the
user
inputting the concentration of liquid reagents in the spa 59. If the
predetermined
period of time has passed without user input, the user is instructed to
perform the
measurement of liquid reagent levels in spa 59, and to enter the values using
user
interface 71.
Dispensing algorithms for different types of liquid reagents are also stored
in the
internal non-volatile memory of the control circuit board 61, and are
illustrated in
Figures 14C, 14D, and 14E. Figure 14F depicts the procedure used when a system
error is encountered, while Figure 14G illustrates the operation of the
control circuit
board 61 interrupt system for accomplishing communication and timing tasks.
Those skilled in art will appreciate that other possible modes of system
operation can
accomplish the essentially same liquid dispensing tasks. Moreover, although
only a
few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it
should be
understood that the present inventions might be embodied in many other
specific
forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions.
28
